The Best Hikes with Kids in Shenandoah National Park in Spring
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virginia’s blue ridge mountains are stunning
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Stony man is a great hike with incredible views
If you are looking for the best hikes with kids in Shenandoah National Park in spring, this guide is built for you. I’ll use the Skyline Drive mile markers to help you locate each hike, explain what makes each hike doable with kids, and share why spring is an especially good time to get on the trail!
The average annual weather for reference - graph courtesy of Google (Click photo for more weather data)
Spring in Shenandoah National Park is the season that makes even “not-a-hiking-family” families fall in love with hiking. The air is crisp but not brutal, the forests wake up in layers of green, and the waterfalls are usually starting to show off thanks to winter snowmelt and seasonal spring rain. Late March through May is also prime time for wildflowers, and Shenandoah has a ton of variety. The National Park Service considers the typical spring season to run mid-March through the end of May. They note average temperatures ranging from about 35°F in March to 55°F in May, which is exactly the kind of weather that keeps kids moving and happy on the trail.
To see more photos and videos from our trips to Shenandoah, check out my Instagram Highlight.
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If you are looking for more outdoor adventures near DC, check out my complete guide to visiting Harpers Ferry!
Obligatory national park sign photo!
Go Hiking in Shenandoah National Park!
The most popular thing to do in Shenandoah National Park is hiking. From difficult hiking to easy; this park has it all. I have put together the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park for kids and adults alike! The hikes listed under “best hikes for toddlers in Shenandoah” and under “best hikes for kids in Shenandoah National Park” are going to be the best Shenandoah National park kid-friendly hikes! The longer, more difficult hikes are listed under “best hikes for teenagers in Shenandoah National Park.”
hiking to old rag. We had a 9 year old, 11 year old, and 18 year old with us.
| Hike | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wyndham Rocks | 0.8 mile | Easy | Toddlers + young kids |
| Fox Hollow Trail | 1.1 mile | Easy | Toddlers + young kids |
| Black Rock Summit | 1 mile | Easy | Kids who love climbing |
| Bearfence Rock Scramble | 1.4 miles | Moderate | Adventurous kids |
| Limberlost Trail | 1.3 miles | Easy | Toddlers + young kids |
| Dark Hollow Falls | 1.4 miles | Moderate | Waterfall lovers |
| Stony Man | 1.6 miles | Easy | All ages |
| Millers Head | 1.6 miles | Easy | Views |
| Hawksbill Summit | 2.1 miles | Easy | Mountain views |
| Thompson Hollow to Seven Pools | 2.2 miles | Easy | Waterfalls + younger kids |
| Compton Peak | 2.4 miles | Moderate | Geology + older kids |
| Chimney Rock | 3.4 miles | Moderate | Older kids |
| Marys Rock Summit | 3.6 miles | Moderate | Older kids |
| Rapidan Camp | 4 miles | Moderate | History + older kids |
| Hazel River Falls | 5.3 miles | Difficult | Teens |
| Cedar Run White Oak Circuit | 8.1 miles | Very Difficult | Experienced teens |
| Old Rag | 9.4 miles | Difficult | Experienced older kids + teens |
There are so many incredible overlooks in shenandoah national park
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Shenandoah National Park in Spring
These are the family-friendly hikes in Shenandoah National Park I recommend for spring when you’re hiking with toddlers, preschoolers, or younger kids. The trails are short and manageable for little legs, but still have plenty of rewarding views, waterfalls, and fun places to explore along the way.
Stony Man (DO NOT MISS) (Mile 41.7): This is an easy 1.6 mile trail for all ages. The overlook is incredible too. Be sure to walk around a little and take in the views from both the main overlook and the one off to the right. The Shenandoah Valley looks incredible from here.
The Views from the overlook of stoney man trail are amazing
Thompson Hollow Trail to Seven Pools (DO NOT MISS): This is an easy, kid-friendly, 2.2 mile out-and-back hike that takes about an hour to complete. Be sure to strictly follow the parking signs as parking is on a public road. This hike is NOT in the main park area, but is REALLY REALLY great.
I have a full REEL about this hike, check it out!
Seven pools, shenandoah national park
Hiking along fox hollow trail with 2 toddlers
Limberlost Trail (Mile 43): This very easy 1.3 mile loop trail is made for kids. It is a designated TRACK Trail, featuring a self-guided brochure designed for kids to learn as they walk. We did this trail with 5 young kids in crocs!
Fox Hollow Trail (Mile 4.6): This very easy 1-mile trail is perfect for learning all about Shenandoah National Park and its history. Hikers will pass by historic rock walls, a cemetery, and periwinkles planted by former residents of this land. This trail is also a designated TRACK Trail, featuring a self-guided brochure designed for kids.
the rocks at fort wyndam rocks are amazing to climb through!
Frazier Discovery Trail (Mile 79.5): This is a very easy trail with many excellent overlooks.
Fort Windham Rocks (Mile 10.4): This very easy 0.8 mile trail is excellent for all ages. It shares a trailhead parking area with Compton Peak. We hiked up with a 3 month old, 6 year old, and 7 year old easily. The rocks are VERY cool to climb around on!
fox hollow trail in fall
Best Hikes for Kids in Shenandoah National Park:
Hiking at Dark hollow falls.
Dark Hollow Falls (DO NOT MISS) (Mile 50.7): This is a moderate 1.4 mile trail. It is moderate due to a 400+ foot decent down to the falls that you will have to climb to get back to the car. We did this trail with 5 young kids with no issue. (Ages 4-9) If you have a toddler, just carry them down. We loved cooling off in the stream at the bottom! Just stay off the rocks around the waterfall because they can be extremely slippery. This parking lot does fill quickly, so get there early!
Black Rock Summit (Mile 84.4): This is an easy and short 1-mile Hike. I put it with best hikes for KIDS in Shenandoah because it’s really really fun to climb on the rocks and to be up there for a better view of the Shenandoah Valley. You can do this trail with any age, but the rock scramble (optional) would only be for big kids.
the view from the top of the rock scramble at black rock summit
Bearfence Rock Scramble (Mile 56.4): This moderate 1.1 mile trail has scrambling that is intense (not hard, but constant) This is a really really fun trail for kids, but be aware that the overlook is in the middle of the loop trail at the top of the rocks. I didn’t realize we were at the key view point until we passed it. (If you want the view without the scramble, go left at the post and that will make this an out and back trail and EASY - Bearfence Overlook Trail) Do not attempt the rock scramble when the rocks are wet or icy.
Compton Peak (DO NOT MISS) (Mile 10.4): This moderate 2.4 mile trail climbs the whole way to the turn off. (844 feet) At the top you can choose to go right to the overlook or left down to look at columnar jointing - we’ve done both and the views are OK at best at the overlook. I say, go for the rocks! We were all so impressed with this incredible formation!
the impressive columnar jointing on compton peak trail
Hawksbill Summit via Upper Hawksbill (Mile 46.5): This easy 2.1 mile trail brings hikers to the top of Shenandoah’s highest peak! The overlook showcases 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont. (520 foot elevation gain)
Millers Head (Mile 42.5): This is an easy 1.6 mile out and back trail that takes hikers up to an old fire watch platform. The views are incredible from the fire tower.
the kids hiking old rag, dark hollow falls, and fort wyndham rocks!
Chimney Rock (Mile 90): This moderate 3.4 mile out and back trail has a lot of interesting geological features along the way to a nice overlook. (830 feet)
Marys Rock Summit (Mile 31.6): A moderate 3.6 mile trail that takes hikers to a gorgeous overlook. The westward views from the peak showcase the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain.
Rapidan Camp (Mile 52.8): This is a moderate 4 mile trail that takes hikers to the rustic getaway of President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Keep in mind that this hike features three stream crossings, each about eight feet wide. Bring water shoes and do not cross if the water seems dangerous.
climbing rocks on the limberlost trail
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Shenandoah National Park:
Old Rag (DO NOT MISS) : This difficult 9.4-mile hike is said to be the best hike in Shenandoah National Park. It is also one of the most popular. The elevation change is 2,348 feet in the first 4 miles, but this hike is worth the work. There is over a mile of rock scrambles and several places to stop and take in sweeping 360-degree views. You need an Old Rag day-use ticket to hike this trail in spring. Tickets are required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to your Shenandoah National Park entrance pass. We completed this trail with a 9 year old, 11 year old, and 18 year old.
Hiking old rag is not for the faint of heart - its a really really cool hike tho
Hazel River Falls (Mile 33.5): This difficult 5.3 mile trail takes hikers through a very rugged section of the park. The culmination of this hard work is to sit at the waterfall!
Cedar Run White Oak Circuit (Mile 45.6): This very difficult 8.1 mile hike rewards hikers with many cascades and waterfalls. The fall foliage on this trail is incredible. 2,794 feet elevation change.
While you’re in Virginia, check out other great parks to visit in Virginia.
Seven pools along thompson hollow trail
Be sure to Check out my Guides for Washington D.C.
the climb up old rag is long and hard - but absolutely worth it
FAQ: Hiking Shenandoah National Park in Spring
Is spring a good time to hike in Shenandoah National Park?
Yes! Spring is one of my favorite times to hike in Shenandoah National Park. Temperatures are cooler than summer, waterfalls are flowing from spring rain and snowmelt, and wildflowers begin blooming throughout the park. Just be prepared for changing weather and potentially muddy trails, especially earlier in the season.
What are the best easy hikes in Shenandoah National Park with kids?
For younger kids, some of my favorite easy hikes in Shenandoah National Park are Stony Man, Limberlost Trail, Fox Hollow Trail, Fort Windham Rocks, and Thompson Hollow Trail to Seven Pools. These trails are short enough for younger hikers but still have something interesting waiting along the way.
What is the best spring waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park with kids?
Dark Hollow Falls is one of my favorite waterfall hikes in Shenandoah with kids. The trail is only 1.4 miles, but remember that you hike downhill to reach the waterfall, which means you have a fairly steep climb back to the parking area. For an easier option, I also love Thompson Hollow Trail to Seven Pools.
Can toddlers hike in Shenandoah National Park?
Absolutely. Shenandoah has several short trails that work well for toddlers and preschoolers. Limberlost and Fox Hollow are both TRACK Trails designed to make hiking more engaging for kids, and I’ve personally hiked many of these trails with very young children.
Along skyline drive you will find so many overlooks. Stop at as many or as few as you feel!
What should I pack for hiking Shenandoah National Park in spring?
Spring weather in Shenandoah can change quickly, so I recommend dressing in layers and bringing rain gear, plenty of water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, and extra clothes for kids. If you're hiking one of the trails with stream crossings, like Rapidan Camp, pack water shoes as well.
Heading out on the trail? Check out my favorite hiking gear for kids.
the overlooks in shenandoah are beautiful
Spring is one of my favorite times to go hiking in Shenandoah National Park with kids. The cooler temperatures make longer hikes more comfortable, waterfalls are flowing from spring rain and snowmelt, and wildflowers begin popping up along the trails. Whether you have toddlers who need a short, easy trail or older kids ready for a rock scramble, there are plenty of family-friendly hikes in Shenandoah National Park to choose from.
compton peak trail is an unique spot in shenandoah national park
I’ve visited Shenandoah National Park countless times with my own kids, hiking everything from easy trails like Stony Man and Limberlost to more challenging hikes like Old Rag. With so many trails along Skyline Drive and the park only about 1.5 hours from Washington DC, Shenandoah is an easy choice for a spring day trip or weekend getaway with kids.
If you’re planning a spring trip to Shenandoah National Park, use this guide to find the best hikes for your family based on your kids’ ages and hiking abilities. Happy hiking!
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Discover the best hikes with kids in Shenandoah National Park in spring, including easy hikes for toddlers, family-friendly waterfall hikes, scenic overlooks, rock scrambles, and challenging trails for teens. Find the best spring hikes in Shenandoah National Park with trail distances, difficulty levels, Skyline Drive mile markers, and tips for hiking Shenandoah with kids.